BRIDGEPORT, CT - October 29, 2012---In anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, St Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport CT has its Emergency Operations Center activated and is making preparations to handle the storm challenges.

The hospital has validated that it has adequate supplies, water, food and critical resources for at least 96 hours at both St. Vincent's Medical Center and at St. Vincent's Behavioral Health Services, Westport Campus.

St. Vincent's has tested and confirmed that it has adequate generator power if needed for at least 96 hours. The Medical Center has a built-in system of redundancies in place in the case of a power outage.

Managers are reviewing staffing for the next several days and are in contact with their employees to ensure an adequate staffing plan. Staff are being invited to come in by early afternoon for the evening shift before roads close. Night shift are encouraged to arrive early and may sleep here prior to the 11pm start of their shift. Staff who cannot return home safely are invited to sleep here as well. Cots are being deployed where needed.

On- call teams are being reviewed and many have confirmed to remain on site tonight.

St. Vincent's is closing its outpatient services including its Infusion Center and Radiation Oncology Department located at the main hospital, the St. Vincent's Urgent Care Centers, Family Health Center and Hope Dispensary of Greater Bridgeport. Elective surgeries continue to be performed for certain patients. Arrangments are in coordination with their surgeon.

For those in need of medical help, our Emergency Department is open.

We ask Bridgeport residents with assisted medical devices requiring electricity, who may anticipate losing power, to go to the American Red Cross shelters provided for this emergency.